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Best Dispersed Camping near Ruckersville, VA

54 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour of Ruckersville, Virginia, primarily in Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest. Shenandoah National Park requires backcountry permits for dispersed camping, with sites located along numerous trails including the Appalachian Trail. These primitive sites lack facilities, with several visitors noting the importance of proper food storage due to active black bears. According to one visitor, "There are so many trails to hike throughout the park and with a backcountry permit, you can find countless campsites."

Free dispersed camping is available at Flagpole Knob, Switzer Lake, and Crisman Hollow Road in George Washington National Forest. These areas allow fires (unlike some Shenandoah backcountry zones) and typically permit pets. The terrain ranges from mountaintop sites to riverside camping along South Fork Shenandoah River, which offers multiple spots directly on the water. A recent review noted, "The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to," though several campers mention that riverside sites can be noisy due to neighboring campers and may flood after heavy rain.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ruckersville, Virginia (16)

    1. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    17 miles
    Website

    "About as flat as you’ll get, the hike here was nice."

    "This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping."

    2. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."

    "There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights!"

    3. South Fork Shenandoah River

    6 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    37 miles

    "The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours."

    "Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains."

    4. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mount Jackson, VA
    34 miles

    "A bit dirty but awesome spot near a creek"

    "There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."

    5. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    48 miles
    Website

    "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."

    "Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot."

    6. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!""

    "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance.  The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some."

    7. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    44 miles

    "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."

    "Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods."

    8. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    49 miles
    Website

    "The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents."

    "This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland"

    9. Gravel Springs Hut — Shenandoah National Park

    1 Review
    Washington, VA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-6331

    10. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    2 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    45 miles
    Website

    "You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection."

    "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ruckersville, VA

67 Photos of 16 Ruckersville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ruckersville, VA

54 Reviews of 16 Ruckersville Campgrounds

  • Mike C.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Primitive Fall Fun

    Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy. Directions on website are pretty accurate.

    Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you.

    Down the road you will find many spots on your left and your right to tuck back in and call it "home" for a couple days.

    If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home.

    This first come first served location is ideal for off road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!

    Would have given this spot a 5 Star if some of the locals understood quiet hours after 10pm and slept past 5am. Be advised, it can get loud at some of the larger sites. Go deeper into the woods if you have the equipment.

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful area!

    I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

  • S
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Flagpole Knob

    They Said....

    They said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

  • Rob U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Spy Rock

    Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views

    The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents. There are few amenities, but a few fire pits, etc. I've heard it can get pretty crowded, but it was not when I was there in October of 2015. Scramble up to the top for amazing sunsets and sunrises.

    A little research ahead of time can help, as well. You can hike from Crabtree Falls, which is longer, but alternatively, you can park at the Fish Hatchery in Montebello and make a much shorter hike to Spy Rock, a quick (though admittedly steep) 1.5 miles. There seems to be an occasional debate about whether the trail that connects the fish hatchery road to the Spy Rock trail is open, as it passes through private property, but last I check it WAS.

  • Zach K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    Great, secluded location

    The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.

    After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.

    This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).

    I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.

    This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.

  • adrian F.
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic primitive get away

    Great spot to get away. Super peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to secure food trash. Pack in what you pack out and more if possible. We found lots of trash on the trails and at campsites. There’s nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use.

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this National Forest!

    There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

    You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

    One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

    Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!

Guide to Ruckersville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ruckersville, Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Ruckersville, Virginia

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed, require a permit, so be sure to check local regulations before heading out.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, including water, as places like Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites do not provide drinking water or trash disposal.
  • Be prepared for a hike to reach some sites; for example, Spy Rock requires a challenging hike but rewards you with stunning views.

Scenic hikes while free camping near Ruckersville

  • The trails around South Fork Shenandoah River offer beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it a great choice for nature lovers.
  • If you're looking for a more rugged experience, Compton Gap Backcountry camping provides access to the Appalachian Trail, perfect for those seeking adventure.
  • For a peaceful retreat, consider Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy a serene environment and explore nearby hiking trails.

Top attractions for dispersed campers

  • Don't miss the breathtaking views at Flagpole Knob, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets and sunrises while camping in solitude.
  • The James River Wildlife Management Area is a great spot for fishing and wildlife observation, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • For those who appreciate history and nature, Gravel Springs Hut offers a unique camping experience along the Appalachian Trail, complete with a picnic table and fire pit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ruckersville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ruckersville, VA is Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ruckersville, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Ruckersville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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